Archdiocese of Chicago

Catholic Chicago Blog

On the Redefinition of Marriage Legislation

By Robert Gilligan

This week marks a pivotal time in the intersection of our state and the Catholic Church, as Illinois House lawmakers prepare to vote on redefinition of marriage legislation.

Senate Bill 10 changes the state’s legal definition of marriage from “between a man and a woman” to “between two persons.” This legislation previously passed the Illinois Senate, and the governor has said he will sign it into law if it makes it to his desk.

Our Catholic faith believes marriage is the complementary union of one man and one woman, with the hope and intent of producing children with whom to share their love. By changing the definition of marriage, SB 10 depreciates the value of this key institution and its fundamental role in society.

This legislation also infringes on our religious freedom. While it does not force clergy to solemnize any same-sex marriage or force churches to rent out their parish halls for same-sex wedding receptions, it does not offer the same protection to health care facilities, educational facilities or social service agencies.